Newsletters

A 400-Square-Foot Home Feels Spacious, Thanks to Planning, Painting, and IKEA

Adrienne Breaux
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
I grew up watching TV shows like "This Old House" and "New Yankee Workshop" with my parents, and learned early on that not only is it possible to remake your home’s surroundings to fit your lifestyle and personality, but that it’s also fun. When I got to college, I started…read more
Follow
published Oct 24, 2024

A 400-Square-Foot Home Feels Spacious, Thanks to Planning, Painting, and IKEA

Adrienne Breaux
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
I grew up watching TV shows like "This Old House" and "New Yankee Workshop" with my parents, and learned early on that not only is it possible to remake your home’s surroundings to fit your lifestyle and personality, but that it’s also fun. When I got to college, I started…read more
Follow
published Oct 24, 2024
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
About this tour
Explore More House Tours
Home Type

Apartment

Location

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Style

Minimal

Scandinavian

Bedrooms

1

Square feet

400

Sq ft

400

This is the first home that Esther Rzeplinski has owned. “Buying on my own was stressful and something I never thought I’d manage. I poured my soul into this little apartment immediately by planning, painting, and installing cabinets, shelves, and a finicky wall desk. I now feel such peace when I’m at home, and am so pleased with how things turned out. I think my kitties enjoy it, too. They love lounging on the balcony and watching activity on the street/sidewalk,” Esther writes.

See More Images
Credit: Daniel Totino
"I painstakingly measured the wall to make sure I could fit my old bookcase, a wall desk (discontinued IKEA Svalnas I had found on Facebook Marketplace years ago and never installed), and a new cabinet. This is probably what I am most proud of," Esther admits. "I try to edit and limit other items, but definitely not books! I love looking at past and current favorites, and get quite nostalgic thinking about where I was when I read a certain book. I generally read literary fiction, some romance, mysteries, memoirs, and also have a collection of childhood favorites."

“While my apartment was within my budget, I also chose it for its alignment with my values around climate, urbanism, and consumerism. Things are important to me, but I don’t want to serve them,” Esther continues.

See More Images
Credit: Daniel Totino
The tulip table is thrifted and the print is from The Poster Club. "My family is German and it says 'Zusammen' or 'Together.' When moving in here, I wanted to focus on finding a romantic partnership or being 'together' with someone and, to my surprise, my manifestation worked!" Esther admits.

“While I believe in function before form (i.e., waiting a while and seeing how you use a space/what you need before changing things or buying something), I had the entire floor plan, shopping and projects list, paint, etc,. before I took possession,” Esther admits. “So, sometimes do what feels right and throw out your rulebook.”

See More Images
Credit: Daniel Totino
"Although small, my bedroom is the perfect sleeping nook. I have never slept better! I love the color I chose for the walls and my artwork, which feels empowering and very 'me,'" Esther admits.

Esther, who describes her home’s decor style as “bright, airy, calming, functional” and “cozy,” has gotten inspiration for small-space living from a number of different accounts, like 600sqftandababy, minima organizing, Laura Fenton, and Erin Boyle. “Their advice for decorating, cleaning, and organizing (living, really!) has shaped me.”

See More Images
Credit: Daniel Totino
"I also love the hardwood of my apartment and the green backsplash in the kitchen," Esther writes. "With a small apartment, I appreciate how the fridge and dishwasher are contained/hidden in the cabinetry."

Resources

  • Bookcase — IKEA
  • Cabinet (limited green) — IKEA
  • Wall paint — Benjamin Moore “Chantilly Lace”
  • Chair — Thrifted
  • Lamp — Article
  • Couch — Originally from Article, “but I thrifted it and my best friend generously kept it for me until I got possession.”
  • Rug — IKEA
  • Coffee table — Article
  • Pillows — IKEA and Banquet Workshop
  • Bedframe — Article
  • Nightstand — Thrifted
  • Rug — IKEA, discontinued
  • Bedding — IKEA
  • Tulip table — Thrifted
  • Print — The Poster Club

Thanks, Esther!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form

Filed in:
Apartment